2020 NFL mock draft: Updated 3-round projections with trades

Luke Easterling updates his three-round projections for the 2020 NFL draft after the first wave of free agency, with a few key trades

26. Miami Dolphins (from HOU)

Austin Jackson | OT | USC

After trading up to make sure they got their franchise quarterback of choice, the next order of business for the Dolphins is protecting their investment in that passer. With five offensive tackles already off the board, the Dolphins opt for the next best one, setting their sights on Jackson. He still needs some refinement, but he’s got limitless potential.

27. Seattle Seahawks

Antoine Winfield, Jr. | S | Minnesota

Gone are the days of Earl Thomas roaming the Seattle secondary, but if the Seahawks want to try and recreate that kind of presence for the future, Winfield is about as close as they can get. The son of a Pro Bowler by the same name, Winfield was a one-man wrecking crew for the Golden Gophers, and he could instantly bring the swagger back to what was once one of the NFL’s most feared defensive backfields.

28. Baltimore Ravens

Jonathan Taylor | RB | Wisconsin

Mark Ingram’s absence was painfully evident when injuries kept him out of the lineup in 2019, which means the Ravens need to find a succession plan for their veteran runner. They get their pick of some talented runners in this scenario, and Taylor’s performance at the NFL Combine proved he’s more than worthy of being the first running back off the board. He would make the NFL’s best rushing attack even better from Day 1.

29. Tennessee Titans

Yetur Gross-Matos | EDGE | Penn State

The Titans are built for sustained success, which should allow them to play the “best player available” game here. Thankfully for them, this scenario gives them a fantastic balance of value and need. Gross-Matos is the prototype for today’s NFL edge defender, and his strong finish to the 2019 season proved he’s still worthy of first-round consideration.

30. Green Bay Packers

Justin Jefferson | WR | LSU

This pick simply has to be another weapon for Aaron Rodgers, and the Packers have some fantastic options in this scenario. Clemson’s Tee Higgins and Colorado’s Laviska Shenault, Jr. would be solid picks, but after Jefferson’s combine performance, he may have just leapfrogged those names on some draft boards. He’s a polished, complete player who would pair extremely well with Devante Adams.

31. Indianapolis Colts (from SF)*

Jacob Eason | QB | Washington

These two teams have already done business on a first-round trade this year, so why not make it happen again? The 49ers need more picks, and the Colts need a long-term solution at quarterback. For a fourth-round pick, the Colts move up three spots and get that fifth-year option on a quarterback prospect with impressive arm talent and tons of potential.

32. Kansas City Chiefs

A.J. Epenesa | EDGE/DL | Iowa

Another team that probably wouldn’t mind trading back, the Chiefs can also just wait for the value to fall to them. That lines up with their biggest needs in this situation, as a versatile defensive linemen like Epenesa would be a huge boost to a front that needs to reload with some youth. Despite disappointing at the combine, Epenesa’s film should still prove him to be a first-round pick.